'Targeted' Blues enjoy victorious finale to horror week

A horror week, headlined by retired former captain Sam Docherty's leaked "f***ing shitshow" criticism, ended with the Blues hanging on for a nervous four-point win over Richmond.

And a defiant Voss insisted he was pleased - not relieved - in the immediate aftermath of the 10.15 (75) to 9.17 (71) result on Thursday night.

"It was a little bit about our club. We've been targeted throughout the whole week, both inside and out, and we get away for a win," Voss said.

"I'm just pleased that our supporters can walk away and have a smile on their face and wear their jumper with pride and have their scarves around their neck.

"We want to keep bringing that and hopefully there's more opportunities to do that."

Docherty's criticism - a private message aired without his knowledge by former teammate Daniel Gorringe on social media - followed the Blues' thumping from Sydney in the opening round.

The spotlight intensified as fresh reports emerged of Carlton approaching Collingwood's Craig McRae last year when Voss's coaching future was undecided.

Blues CEO Graham Wright denied any such move was made, while Voss attempted to keep his players focused on the task at hand.

They started hot against Richmond, kicking five of the first six goals, but saw a 29-point lead cut back to less than one straight kick in the dying stages.

"It's hard-fought. It wasn't exactly the way we wanted it, there was no bow on it," Voss said.

"We had to work for it and we got it. I'm just really pleased for our club that we were able to do that."

Carlton leaders Patrick Cripps, Sam Walsh and Jacob Weitering were important figures in their side's victory, while young gun Jagga Smith was outstanding again.

The 20-year-old starred in the first quarter, tallying 32 disposals and an equal game-high 11 score involvements in his second senior game.

"He's going to be some sort of player for us," Voss said.

Australian Associated Press